Karen Bordador
Filipino television and radio personality, host and actress
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Karen Cortez Bordador (born April 15, 1992) is a Filipino radio DJ, host, reality television personality and actress. She is best known for her work as a DJ at Monster Radio RX 93.1[1] and for her participation in Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10.[2]
April 15, 1992
Karen Bordador | |
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| Born | Karen Cortez Bordador April 15, 1992 Makati, Philippines |
| Occupations | Television and radio personality, host, entrepreneur, actress, and singer |
| Years active | 2009–2016, 2021–present |
| Known for | Hosting and media career, advocacy for prison reform |
| Notable work | Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, radio host at Monster Radio RX 93.1, event host |
Karen Bordador has also starred in various television programs, including I Do (TV series), TV Patrol as a Star Patroller, Luv U, and It's Showtime.[3]
She was a main host on PIE NIGHT LONG, a current events and advice talk show on PIE Channel by ABS-CBN Corporation.[4] Recently, she appeared in shows like Can't Buy Me Love (ABS-CBN),[5] Open 24/7 (GMA),[6] and Around The Arena on TV5.[7]
In 2016, Bordador was arrested and charged with involvement in a drug-related case.[8][9] After nearly five years of detention, she was acquitted in 2021.[10] Her life story was featured in a two-part special on Maalaala Mo Kaya.[11]
Early life and education
Karen Cortez-Bordador was born in Makati in Metro Manila to Wilfredo and Norie Cortez-Bordador. She has an older sister named Jocelyn.[12] She began her career as a model, landing several magazine projects, including features for FHM Philippines.[13] Her modeling work led to brand endorsements, where she became a spokesperson for several companies, which ultimately caught the attention of the radio industry.[14]
Career
Kären Bordador auditioned for and won the Hottest Next DJ competition for Monster Radio RX 93.1.[15]
In addition to her radio career, Bordador expanded into event hosting. She hosted the fan meeting for Korean actor-singer Seo In-guk[16] and the premiere of Imagine You and Me.
She also ventured into television, making appearances on several popular shows, including TV Patrol as a Star Patroller,[17] LUV U on ABS-CBN,[18] and I Do.[19]
Additionally, she became a lead host on PIE NIGHT LONG on the PIE Channel by ABS-CBN.[20] Bordador also hosted her own radio talk show, K-Way, on Kstage Radio via Kumu.[21]
Legal issues and acquittal
In August 2016, Bordador was arrested alongside her now ex-boyfriend in Pasig City as part of a drug operation.[22] They were charged with the sale and possession of illegal drugs.[23] The case attracted significant media attention.[24]
After nearly five years of legal proceedings, Bordador was acquitted of all charges and released from detention in June 2021.[25] Following her release, Bordador became an advocate for prison reform and the improvement of the Philippine justice system, citing its slow pace and lack of resources as major issues.[26] She has also become a resource person for Persons Deprived of Liberty.[27]
Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10
Following her acquittal, Bordador joined the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 as a celebrity housemate.[1] During the season, she discussed how her experiences in prison shaped her perspective.[28]
In the competition, Bordador faced two nominations for eviction.[29] She survived her first nomination in Week 3 but was evicted during a double eviction in Week 7.[30]
Current work
In 2023, Karen Bordador was selected to host a fan meeting for Korean actor and singer Seo In-guk.[31] She was a last-minute replacement for actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar, who was originally scheduled to host the event.[32]
She is currently the marketing director of ENZI CORPORATION, a collection agency in the Philippines, as well as the marketing director of a satellite company in the country.[1] In addition to her work as a host and influencer, Bordador has expanded her career into business. Prior to her arrest, she was the CEO of SisterSecrets, an online lifestyle website.[33]
Her prison experiences were dramatized in a two-part episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), a Philippine drama anthology, as part of its International Women's Month special. She was portrayed by Kaila Estrada.[34][35] Bordador herself also played the role of a detainee Lizzie in the two episodes.[36]
Karen Bordador also has her own YouTube channel where she has two shows: The Brightside: Stories of Setups That Become the Greatest Comebacks and Kulongbia Stories: Untold Jail Stories.[37]
In 2025, Karen Bordador released her debut single "Waving Red" on April 16, a day after her 33rd birthday.[38]
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Imortal | Customer | Guest | |
| 2014 | I Do | Contestant | Reality show | |
| 2015 | Luv U | Nikita Ponti | Guest; Season 2 | [39] |
| 2021 | Pinoy Big Brother | Celebrity Housemate | Season 10, Reality show | [40] |
| 2022 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Lizzie | Season 30, Episodes: "Selda", "Tablet"; Bordador plays the role of a detainee Lizzie, while Kaila Estrada plays as Bordador |
[41] |
| 2024 | Can't Buy Me Love | Margaret | Guest | |
| Open 24/7 | Shala | Episode 47 |
Discography
| Year | Song | Album | Language | Composer | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | "Waving Red" | Single | English | Karen Bordador | FLM Creatives and Productions Inc | [38] |